Winter 2005

New responsible gaming features added to video lottery terminals (VLTs) in Nova Scotia to help encourage responsible gambling have had little or no effect on player behavior or playing patterns, according to the results of a recent evaluation conducted for the Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation (NSGC).
 
The research, conducted by Focal Research Consultants, Ltd., of Halifax, Nova Scotia, focused on three new features added to machines in a single test market: an option for players to set a time limit for their play, a 30-minute pop-up message reminding players of time spent playing the machine and modifications to an on-screen clock designed to help players more easily monitor their playing time. The study (Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation. (2004). 2003 NS VLT responsible gaming features evaluation. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation) aimed to determine player awareness levels of the modified features, effectiveness of the features and possible improvements.

According to the study, of the players asked to describe any changes made to the VLTs during the three-month period between the pre- and post-survey, few indicated top-of-mind awareness of the responsible gaming features. 

Results also indicated the effectiveness of the features in impacting player habits was extremely low. Eighty-four percent of players exposed to the option to set time limits for the machine indicated it had no effect on any of their play habits or patterns, and 98 percent said it would have no effect on helping them manage a budget during their VLT play.

Results were similar for the other two features. While almost half of players exposed to the 30-minute pop-up reminder recalled seeing it during play, eight out of 10 said the new feature would have no impact on their play behavior, and 84 percent indicated it would not help them manage their VLT play. And while 64 percent of players surveyed indicated they do refer to the modified screen clock during play, 71 percent said the clock would have no effect on helping them manage their play.

The study also found that usage of the optional features was extremely low. The optional time limit feature was used by only 13 percent of players, and only 2 percent of players ever cashed out when the time limit was reached. Similarly, only 13 percent of players exposed to the 30-minute pop-up feature reported any associated cash-out behavior.

The researchers included several suggestions for developing more effective responsible gaming features for the VLTs, including allowing players to set and enforce time and spending limits and incorporating individually enforced consequences for reaching these limits. In addition, the researchers suggested features be designed so they are triggered by individual behavior and better address behavioral factors influencing money management and overspending. 

Based on these findings, researchers made two primary recommendations to the NSGC. First, they suggested developing an interactive player-tracking system for the video lottery network that would allow players to be individually recognized and interact with the system using a player card. The ability for individual players to monitor their own activity, set limits and restrict their own access to the machines is the ultimate tool for responsible gaming empowerment, the researchers said.

Finally, according to the study, surveyed players indicated strategies that have proven helpful in managing their VLT play most often involve money budgeting. Researchers said this may point to the need for development of tools that assist with money budgeting rather than time budgeting when considering development of future responsible gaming features for the machines.